Matthew 7

The need to be discerning and put this teaching into practice

Discussion questions

Is there a danger of judging others by their actions, while judging ourselves by our motives?

Why is the road that leads to life ‘narrow’ compared to the road that leads to destruction? What do you think verses 13 and 14 are talking about?

If Jesus is the rock, then what might the sand, rain and wind represent?

Share your thoughts below, or tweet with the hashtag #boundlessbible.

Going Deeper – From 'Words Of Life'

Some Bible translations use the word meekness rather than gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit. Whether meekness or gentleness, there's great strength implied. Jesus was both gentle and meek in spirit, telling us to come to him when we're weary, when we have heavy stuff going on in our lives. For in him we'll find complete rest:

'Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls' (Matthew 11:29).

How can we live our this gentleness in our life?

Share Christ with others. As we do so, let's do it with a gentle spirit. Not with force or disrespect; but with optimism and hope.

Minister in a gentle way. Be an encourager. We need to fellowship with each other and be there for each other, with a gentle spirit.

Cultivate a gentle disposition. Demonstrate gentleness in all we say and do, in order to attract others to Christ.

The final fruit of the Spirit is self-control. I wonder why Paul left this until the end? Because it's probably the most difficult? The American preacher and author Stuart Briscoe speaks of self-control as it relates to freedom - and staying on the right path: